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An Economic Analysis of  Blockchains

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An Economic Analysis of Blockchains

CESifo Group Munich,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Blockchain could extend beyond cryptocurrencies into every aspect of daily life.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Eye Opening
  • Overview

Recommendation

Blockchain’s ability to connect people and transactions in a decentralized manner has powerful implications for business, labor, data security and myriad other aspects of daily life. The jury is still out, however, on blockchain’s suitability over the longer term, given its many issues. Economist Patrick Waelbroeck takes a hard look at the economic questions that blockchain raises and shows that the path ahead is at once promising but uncertain. getAbstract recommends this analytical survey to both generalists and specialists for its bird’s-eye view of a burgeoning technology with potentially wide-reaching applications.

Summary

Blockchain can build an environment in which payments and access to goods and services can flow more readily. The technology creates permanent, unique digital records in a distributed fashion by linking data components into a chain that users cannot falsify. 

As a ledger, blockchain facilitates transactions by issuing cryptocurrencies for monetary exchange or investment, but these tokens can also verify voters during elections; identify ticket holders for travel or events; and authorize individuals to use or input restricted data, such as medical, legal or business...

About the Author

Patrick Waelbroeck is a professor at Télécom ParisTech.


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